Keith Pompey

Inquirer Staff Writer

The 76ers have traded guard Willie Green and big man Jason Smith to the New Orleans Hornets, a source within the team confirmed. In exchange, the Sixers receive 6-foot-9 big man Darius Songaila and 6-foot-10 power forward Craig Brackins. The trade is pending physicals.

Green, 29, has been with the Sixers since the 2003-2004 season. In his 7 seasons with the Sixers, he’s averaged 9.4 points in 22.8 minutes a game. Of his 422 career games, he’s started 211. Smith, 24, is entering his 4th NBA season. He missed the 2008-09 season with a torn ACL. In his rookie year, he averaged 4.5 points a game; last season, he averaged 3.4 points a game and played in only 56 games.

In exchange, the Sixers acquire two frontcourt players in Songaila and Brackins.

"We made the move for these two players to add additional depth to our front court and to add out-court shooting, which was an area that we felt needed improving," Sixers President Rod Thorn said. "Songaila is a hard-working, veteran forward who will give us another option up front and Brackins is a rookie that we feel has a chance to develop into a very productive player at this level.
"On behalf of the Sixers, I want to thank Willie Green and Jason Smith for their contributions and professionalism during their time with us."

Songaila, 32, has previously played for four NBA teams – the Kings, Bulls, Wizards, and Hornets. The Sixers will be his fifth. He’s a member of the Lithuanian National Team. In his 7 NBA seasons, Songaila has averaged 7.0 points and 3.5 rebounds. Last season with the Hornets, he averaged 7.2 points in 18.8 minutes a game.

Brackins, 22, is a power forward out of Iowa State University. He was drafted 21st overall by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2010 NBA Draft. He was immediately traded to the Hornets. He has yet to play an NBA game.

Poll

Do you think trading Willie Green and Jason Smith to the Hornets for Darius Songaila and Craig Brackins is a good trade for the Sixers?

Yes

No

Here’s how the numbers play out: Green’s contract of about $4.0 million expires at the end of this season. Smith’s contract of $2.2 million will also be up at the end of this season. Songaila’s contract of $4.8 million expires at the end of this season. Brackins will make $1.3 million this season; his contract amounts are dictated by the NBA’s rookie pay scale.

A quick glance makes it clear this trade is about acquiring Brackins. He's the main piece of this ...